The need for open dialogue between employers and those who work for them was a strong theme that arose in discussions at a work-life balance seminar held by a Hong Kong charity.

This was one of the issues raised at the seminar, entitled “What is the state of Work-Life Balance in Hong Kong?”, held at the University of Hong Kong on Wednesday, 18 October 2006.

The seminar was organised and run by Hong Kong charity Community Business. The Global Institute For Tomorrow was one of several organisations that supported the event.

Discussion at a break-out session -- “Identifying challenges and prioritising solutions for work-life balance” -- raised concerns among several discussion groups over what may be obstacles to Hong Kong workers achieving a healthy balance between the amount of time they spend at the office and the time given to and the quality of their leisure.

Among the concerns were volume of work, leadership and communication skills, and expectations of marketplace customers. The need for open dialogue between bosses and their employees, came across as a strong underlying theme that those in attendance felt would, in the kinds of pressure-cooker work environments common in Hong Kong, allow for greater understanding by both parties in achieving that balance.

These findings from the several groups were reported in a panel discussion moderated by Community Business founder and chief executive Shalini Mahtani. GIFT’s Carola Macbeth Barton facilitated one of the groups in the break-out session and sat on the discussion panel.

The seminar coincided with the release of a special survey on the work-life balance in Hong Kong. The survey was conducted among 1500 full-time workers in Hong Kong by the Public Opinion Programme at The University of Hong Kong.

Dr Robert Chung, programme director of Public Opinion Programme, presented the findings, which revealed the state of working hours and work-life balance across different industries; whether employees are satisfied with their current work-life balance; and possible solutions to achieving a good work-life balance.

The survey shows Hong Kong workers spend an average of 51 hours a week at the office. Sixty-one per cent work overtime each week, while 70 per cent spend less than two hours a day on personal pursuits.

More than three-quarter of Hong Kong workers are unhappy in their job. They are fear disappointing the boss -- and of being the first to leave the office (13.9 per cent) or of leaving before the boss (12 per cent).

More on the report, its findings and conclusions and on the seminar can be found at Community Business.

Carola Macbeth Barton is on the GIFT advisory council.